Reading Goals: 2015

Reading for me is a passion, it’s simply a non-negotiable, some people must eat chocolate, I must read, well I must consume chocolate too;) I learnt to read at the age of four (so my mother informs me) and I’ve devoured print ever since. I’m a fast reader and I’m voracious, reading an average of 200+ books a year. Once upon a time I used to be more choosy in my selections, or at least included some substance with the fluff but for the last few years I’ve, um been reading less substantial matter, so it’s time to give myself some direction to aid in ‘taking it up a notch or two’.

I’m a keen list maker yet surprisingly I’ve never written a list of ‘books I’m going to read this year’ although for the past couple of years I have recorded ‘books read’ on Goodreads. As I set out to plan at least 72 books (6 books for each month) I discovered this was no easy feat, finding new(to me) titles that I felt happy to commit to reading; a few of the books selected are re-reads (though most read decades ago), a few I’ve begun and not completed, so beginning again.

Pip‘s challenge of reading only Australian Writing for 2015 ‘pipped’ my interest as I’m a huge Australian literature and history fan and I love Aussie bloggers too. Whilst I’m not committing to only reading Australian fare, I’m assuming due to the amount I’ll consume read, I qualify for the ‘read as much Australian literature as I can’ and so I’ll be able to join the chat:) I’ll certainly read more than the following Aussie books but it’s a start.

I’ve selected books from my shelves and my local library’s for a variety of genres. As my brain appreciates categorising I’ve set the books under different headings and I will simply read my way through the list. I considered ‘assigning’ books to read for each month but decided to leave as is to allow for flexibility. I’m intending to read a book from each of the non-fiction categories per month, and one from each fiction categories. All doable.

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5 Responses

I’m always on the lookout for books to try. And still trying to make a dent in all the Australian literature. You’ve got some beauties on your list, but some new for me as well. Those will keep me busy for another couple of weeks… Thanks for the list Erin, have fun reading!

I wonder how many of those Australian writers I could find here in the States? I've been meaning to read more about Australia/Australian literature for a while now… any suggestions as to where an American ought to start?

I admire your listmaking :-). My problem with making lists is that I start to see them as assignments and that makes me not want to read anything off the list. (I'm such an unschooler.) But I do have some of the same books in my mental "To Read" file — Kristin Lavransdatter is one I am planning to tackle soon, once I get over this flu and can concentrate again. Also noticed The Time Traveler's Wife on your list… I read that one back when I was on modified bedrest with the twins. I blew through it quite fast, but at the end, found it pretty unsatisfying… Then again, I have high standards for SF-ish books, and I think the problem I had with TTW was that it was pretending to be "literary".

AngelaLove to know too. To answer your question, can you give me an idea of what genre within Australian lit appeals? I know you like ScF do you want recs there?Yes I was worried about that aspect too so I was sure to only pick books I'm likely to read. Really not sure that I will read the Lavransdatter as my own daughter who inhales books didn't like it. and the Time TW is a new genre for me as I'm not a ScF reader.

Have you heard of the Stella Maris book group (started by Micaela whose blog is California to Korea)? It's a CAtholic women's Facebook group – they read a book a month (approx) and then set up a time to "chat" about it on facebook. I participated in the last one and really enjoyed it. I thought to mention it to you b/c I saw Elizabeth Goudge on your list and her name had come up as an author we might read next. I don't know if the discussions would work for you given the time difference, but you never know! Check it out if you're interested 🙂